PRINCIPAL
When
an agent contracts with a third party and names the principal then
generally the principal alone can sue and be sued on the contract.
This rule can be excluded by express and implied terms. Even if the
agent signed the contract without qualification the agent will not be
liable if it is clear from the body of the contract that the agent
contracted only as agent . If the agent discloses the existence but
not the name of the principal then the position is similar but
subject to intention.
Apart
from ratification, a principal is bound by the acts of the agent
within the actual authority, express or implied. The common law rule
has been extended by statute.